2014 FXDF Fork Upgrade?
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Moab, UT
2014 FXDF Fork Upgrade?
Recently picked up a super fresh 2014 FXDF and while Ive wanted one of these for several years, I had no idea that upgrading the forks was such a PITA.
Ohlins doesnt make a cartridge kit for it, Legend requires me to go 2+ for their cartridge, etc. Im used to having an externally tunable setup on my bikes, but its proving to be a challenge with the Fat Robert
I ordered the Bitubo cartridge kit and it flat out doesnt fit even though it explicitly notes that it fits 2008-17 FXDF. Spent all morning dealing with it and it just doesnt work. The fork caps are too narrow for the slider threads by at least 1mm and the threads dont engage. The left cartridge bottom bolt is an M10 while the factory FXDF bolt is an M14, etc. so Brocks Performance owes me a refund and Ill be calling them first thing Monday morning.
Progressive and Fox offer cartridges, yall have any thoughts on them?
Thanks for the time-
Ohlins doesnt make a cartridge kit for it, Legend requires me to go 2+ for their cartridge, etc. Im used to having an externally tunable setup on my bikes, but its proving to be a challenge with the Fat Robert
I ordered the Bitubo cartridge kit and it flat out doesnt fit even though it explicitly notes that it fits 2008-17 FXDF. Spent all morning dealing with it and it just doesnt work. The fork caps are too narrow for the slider threads by at least 1mm and the threads dont engage. The left cartridge bottom bolt is an M10 while the factory FXDF bolt is an M14, etc. so Brocks Performance owes me a refund and Ill be calling them first thing Monday morning.
Progressive and Fox offer cartridges, yall have any thoughts on them?
Thanks for the time-
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1,228
From: New Hampsha
Two alternate approaches:
https://racetech.com/gold-valves/
https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/imp...ric-int-39.htm
https://racetech.com/gold-valves/
https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/imp...ric-int-39.htm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
Two alternate approaches:
https://racetech.com/gold-valves/
https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/imp...ric-int-39.htm
https://racetech.com/gold-valves/
https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/imp...ric-int-39.htm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
Yeah I don't get why some of these companies have springs on only one mono tube and not both for the 49 mm bikes.. I think that's a bunch of s*** and I'll never purchase a system like that..
I do run the Progressive mono tubes in my 41 mm set up in my Fatboy and love them.. They work very well..
On my Street Bob, I'm just running Progressive springs.. They're better than stock and quite firm in all honesty making you feel every little nook and cranny in the road but it does handle extremely well at very high speeds...
I would imagine their springs with some type of emulator to control the flow rate to tune it into your desire will ride would probably be one of the better ways to go..
Unless that is you have a shitload of money and go with the revos or axions or whatever.. I'm not even sure if I ever even looked at him because of the prices are so ridiculous...
I do run the Progressive mono tubes in my 41 mm set up in my Fatboy and love them.. They work very well..
On my Street Bob, I'm just running Progressive springs.. They're better than stock and quite firm in all honesty making you feel every little nook and cranny in the road but it does handle extremely well at very high speeds...
I would imagine their springs with some type of emulator to control the flow rate to tune it into your desire will ride would probably be one of the better ways to go..
Unless that is you have a shitload of money and go with the revos or axions or whatever.. I'm not even sure if I ever even looked at him because of the prices are so ridiculous...
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1,228
From: New Hampsha
GOLD VALVE CARTRIDGE EMULATORSŽ
- Emulators are awesome for damping rod forks. They create a modern "cartridge style" damping curve for these simpler fork designs. Click here for more info.
I have a set in one of my Triumphs. Made a huge difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
From the racetech web site:
I have a set in one of my Triumphs. Made a huge difference.
GOLD VALVE CARTRIDGE EMULATORSŽ
- Emulators are awesome for damping rod forks. They create a modern "cartridge style" damping curve for these simpler fork designs. Click here for more info.
I have a set in one of my Triumphs. Made a huge difference.
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6th Gear
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From: Moab, UT
Which model HD are you on and what do you weigh?
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
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From: MA
What is the actual difference between the FXDF fork compared to the FXDB fork or the Wideglide fork besides the dual disc setup? Are then both 49mm? Are the fork caps interchangeable? Is it just a length thing?
On my 2015 FXDB I went with GP Suspension. It is a full cartridge kit. Springs were included. They are not a straight drop in piece at least they were at the time. I was lucky to have a lathe at the time but it can be done with a hand grinder. You need to grind the bottom of the fork tube and remove the hydraulic lockout. It wasn't a big deal but something to keep in mind.
Anyway I mention this in the case the only difference is the length. If they are shorter then that is an easy fix with internal spacers. If they are longer GP Suspension does make a +2" kit. At the very least it is worth contacting them to see what they say.
On my 2015 FXDB I went with GP Suspension. It is a full cartridge kit. Springs were included. They are not a straight drop in piece at least they were at the time. I was lucky to have a lathe at the time but it can be done with a hand grinder. You need to grind the bottom of the fork tube and remove the hydraulic lockout. It wasn't a big deal but something to keep in mind.
Anyway I mention this in the case the only difference is the length. If they are shorter then that is an easy fix with internal spacers. If they are longer GP Suspension does make a +2" kit. At the very least it is worth contacting them to see what they say.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Moab, UT
Something is different with the internals, particularly the left leg I think, but I cant get anyone to tell me exactly what is different.
My 2014 FXDF forks are 49mm, yes.
My 2014 FXDF forks are 49mm, yes.
What is the actual difference between the FXDF fork compared to the FXDB fork or the Wideglide fork besides the dual disc setup? Are then both 49mm? Are the fork caps interchangeable? Is it just a length thing?
On my 2015 FXDB I went with GP Suspension. It is a full cartridge kit. Springs were included. They are not a straight drop in piece at least they were at the time. I was lucky to have a lathe at the time but it can be done with a hand grinder. You need to grind the bottom of the fork tube and remove the hydraulic lockout. It wasn't a big deal but something to keep in mind.
Anyway I mention this in the case the only difference is the length. If they are shorter then that is an easy fix with internal spacers. If they are longer GP Suspension does make a +2" kit. At the very least it is worth contacting them to see what they say.
On my 2015 FXDB I went with GP Suspension. It is a full cartridge kit. Springs were included. They are not a straight drop in piece at least they were at the time. I was lucky to have a lathe at the time but it can be done with a hand grinder. You need to grind the bottom of the fork tube and remove the hydraulic lockout. It wasn't a big deal but something to keep in mind.
Anyway I mention this in the case the only difference is the length. If they are shorter then that is an easy fix with internal spacers. If they are longer GP Suspension does make a +2" kit. At the very least it is worth contacting them to see what they say.